I use a Terra handheld which is no longer made, is built like a truck, and works very well.
As a retired radio engineer, my guess is that you won't be able to tell performance differences between any of the available radios. Out in the boonies, receiver sensitivity is about the only thing which will make a significant difference - "name brand" radios will probably be slightly better because they have been through multiple production runs and were not designed and built in a garage. The difference between one watt or two watts of transmitted power is insignificant to reception by the ground station and is often arrived at through "specsmanship." rather than actual performance - it is also difficult to describe to a layman how power is spec'ed and how different modulation circuitry in the transmitter can make a less powerful radio much more intelligible. The antenna will make a much greater contribution to performance than the radio itself - a permanently mounted antenna on the fuselage is much more efficient than a "rubber-duckie." In an urban area, some of the design features may make for better reception and less interference from TV, FM, and Pager transmitters. Due to the nature of the AM modulation used for aircraft communication, there will be little difference between radios rejection of aircraft-generated interference - the 'coupe ignition is shielded, so that's probably not a problem. It's probably best to buy a well known brand in order to get service if needed. My most recent perusal of catalogs showed me that there is actually little difference in cost if you purchase all the accessories you need and use rechargeable batteries. Consider how you will use the radio: Is it for backup or will it be your primary radio? How will you power it? Rechargeable batteries "self-discharge" over a period of a few weeks so they may render the radio unusable just when you need it. Alkalines will last for years if not used and thus are great for backup - they are what your ELT uses. If it is to be your primary radio, powered by the aircraft, why not purchase a used panel mount radio and get easier to read displays, bigger knobs, and simpler operation? How will you listen and speak? There's not much room for an antenna if you were thinking of holding the radio to your ear - some radios require adapters to connect to your headphones. Each of the available radios has its own quirks: King - it is a little more expensive, but probably works real well. Icom - receives VORs as well as comm. Well known in communications. Probably pretty rugged. Yaesu - New to aircraft but they make good comm gear too. The limited controls on the radio may make it more difficult to use. Receives VORs. Sportys - receives localizer as well as VOR. I haven't met anyone who owns one. Costs the same as others after you buy accessories. Delcom - Have only seen a picture. The digi-switches are very difficult to use, especially if you have small fingers, they will drive you nuts. Terra used to use them and they were their #1 repair problem. Buying a radio for your plane is like many other consumer decisions - a lot of compromises and advertising has to be taken with a grain of salt. David Alon A-2 N6359V > James Zimmerman wrote: > > I am about to purchase a hand held radio for my Ercoupe > and C-150. Does anyone else have a comment, good or bad, > on the Delcom, or any other hand held. > Jim Ercoupe N99456 Lake Elmo MN.
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